Ryanair says it will reluctantly let parents sit next to children for free
BBC News 2026-06-25 12:08:33
Context: Ryanair has changed its family seating policy to allow parents to sit next to their young children without paying a seat reservation fee, following an investigation by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The new policy, which came into effect on Thursday, will inform adults travelling with children of their free seat allocation after check-in. This move is in line with most other European airlines, according to Ryanair.
Key Facts
- Ryanair's new policy allows parents to sit next to their young children for free, without paying a seat reservation fee, which typically cost £8 each way.
- The airline's previous policy required adults travelling with children to pay one reserved seat fee and allowed them to select seats beside them for up to four children for free.
- Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary stated that the airline would "reluctantly adjust to this industry standard", claiming that its long-standing policy had given families "certainty" and fully complied with laws.
- The CMA investigation is ongoing, with a spokesperson stating that Ryanair claims its new seating policy complies with the law, and that if true, it's a win for families who will no longer have to pay to sit with their children.
- The free parent seats will be available at the back of the aircraft, as front rows tend to be reserved, and Ryanair does not expect the change to have an effect on its revenue.